"Recycling makeup needs to be very specific," Caleb Backe, a health and wellness expert for Maple Holistics, told INSIDER. "Many times, makeup products and accessories are laden with bacteria, and it is not recommended to attempt recycling them."

Although Backe's rules should apply in most cases, there are some exceptions.

When the time comes to get rid of your makeup, whether it's expired or just adding to the clutter, here are a few tips for what to do with it.

1. Return it

Some stores will let you return used makeup and skincare. Don't worry, it doesn't go back on the shelf. Sephora has a really great return policy in particular, where you can return a product within 60 days, even if it is used.

2. Recycle it with the brand

A few makeup and skin care brands like Aveda, Lush, Kiehl's, Origins have their own recycling program, where you can bring old products into the stores for recycling, lifestyle blogger Audrey Duncan told INSIDER.

Likewise, "MAC Cosmetics offers a recycling program where you get one free item for every six products that you return for recycling," she said.

Save the environment and your money with this model.

3. Recycle at home

When finished, these candles make for gorgeous makeup brush holders. Charley Gallay/Stringer/Getty Images for diptyque

Many beauty products come in plastic or glass containers, which makes it super easy to recycle.

"The plastic containers and other packaging materials can be recycled in most cases, and usually this can be done quite easily," Backe said. "It is as simple as cleaning thoroughly, washing with hot water and soap, letting it dry and reusing for whatever it is you want."

The most Instagram-worthy recycled beauty item is the Diptyque candle, which makes for a great — and inexpensive — makeup brush holder.

4. Reuse broken makeup

Rubbing alcohol is a cost effective way to save broken makeup. wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock

"If you have crushed, leftover eyeshadow or powder, mix it into rubbing alcohol to create a paste," Duncan said. "You can re-pour the new, combined or reshaped paste into an old container. As the paste dries, use plastic wrap to press the hardening paste back into a useable shape."

Voila! Your eyeshadow (or other pressed powder) is good as new.

5. Extend your mascara's life

If your mascara is nearing the end of its life, you can use this drugstore hack to extend its efficiency.

"You can add saline solution to dried mascara and makeup tubes to add viscosity and extend the life of the product," Duncan said.